UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – James Franklin continues putting his offense through game scenarios from last season and during Saturday’s spring practice in Holuba Hall it was no different.

“Penn State has one timeout, BC has three timeouts,” Franklin barked across the field, looking at Christian Hackenberg and the offense. “Let’s go.”

Three-man rush of Garrett Sickels, Carl Nassib and Austin Johnson got after Christian Hackenberg at one point today pic.twitter.com/nK9Giqt1dm

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) April 11, 2015

The music blared and it wasn’t a particularly pretty drive for the offense. Hackenberg fired a pass to sophomore wide receiver Saeed Blacknall who watched as it bounced off his hands. The ensuing play the junior quarterback, with redshirt freshman running back Mark Allen lined up to his right, pump faked and as Hackenberg’s arm came down the ball slipped out as left tackle Paris Palmer was pushed into Hackenberg.

The rush on Palmer was coming from redshirt sophomore Garrett Sickels who lined up alongside defensive tackle Austin Johnson and end Carl Nassib. 

Hackenberg’s fumble was recovered by Sickels who continues to put together a spring that is helping to erase the questions Franklin had about the defensive ends when spring ball started.

“We went into spring with question marks at d-end and I don’t have those question marks,” Franklin said following Saturday’s spring practice. “Those guys are playing with great technique, playing with great fundamentals, playing with really good confidence right now. I’m excited about our d-ends, I really am.”

Sickels and Nassib continue working with the first team and are helping fill the void left by last year’s starting tandem of Deion Barnes and C.J. Olaniyan. Inexperienced ends Curtis Cothran and Torrence Brown are “flashing some really exciting things,” Franklin said.

During the 4-minute situations, where Franklin stayed on the referees, pleading with them to call everything like they would in a game, Johnson also had a tackle in the backfield.

Hackenberg attempted a deep ball to DaeSean Hamilton during the portion of practice open to the media, but the ball went through Hamilton’s arms.

By the looks of it today -- and as is usually the case this time of the year -- Penn State’s defense certainly looked like it was ahead of the offense.

Bumps and bruises

James Franklin said middle linebacker Nyeem Wartman has been a “little limited” after getting off to a strong start to spring practice. Wartman didn’t practice Saturday, watching from the sidelines as linebackers coach Brent Pry rotated through a full assortment of options while backup Gary Wooten filled in at Wartman’s middle spot.

Redshirt freshman running back Johnathan Thomas is also limited this spring, Franklin said. Without Thomas being full go redshirt freshman Mark Allen has put together a spring that’s pleased the head coach. Redshirt freshman Nick Scott continues to work into the mix behind starter Akeel Lynch as well.

Tight end Adam Breneman also has been limited this spring while working back from a knee surgery he underwent last summer. Breneman said earlier this week he has taken some full speed reps but will use this summer to get back to where he wants to be. 

Wide receiver De’Andre Thompkins and tight end Brent Wilkerson also didn’t practice. 

Trace McSorley on the run

Backup quarterback Trace McSorley ran the second-team offense all last season and took off for a few scrambles during Saturday’s practice. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, standing on the sideline watching his backups, watched as McSorley didn’t hesitate to pull it down and take off. 

McSorley threw on the run too and connected with tight end Kyle Carter on a pass of about 20 yards across the middle. Carter was able to hold onto the pass while knowing the contact was surely coming. Building depth at tight end also highlighted Franklin’s list of concerns, along with left tackle  and running back depth. 

Trevor Williams nearly picks off Hackenberg

Trevor Williams and Grant Haley continue working together at corner with Jordan Lucas and Marcus Allen holding down the back end. Williams broke on a Hackenberg pass toward the end of practice and nearly picked it off, but couldn’t haul it in.

Penn State continues emphasizing the need to create turnovers, something that was hit or miss at times last season. 

Audrey Snyder: asnyder@post-gazette.com and Twitter: @audsnyder4

First Published: May 1, 2015, 3:09 a.m.